Prime Minister Binali Yildirim visited the Russian embassy in Ankara on Thursday to convey his condolences over the assassination of Ambassador Andrey Karlov on Monday, calling the envoy a symbol of friendship between the two countries.

In a note left in the book of condolences at the embassy, Yildirim said: "I feel sorrow for the loss of Russian Ambassador to Ankara Mr. Andrey Karlov who was killed in a painful terrorist attack. Those trying to destroy the bridges and comprehensive ties between Russia and Turkey through this heinous assassination will not achieve their goals.

"The criminals will be found and punished with what they deserve.”

He noted the envoy’s contribution to strengthening ties between Turkey and Russia.

"Karlov has become an everlasting symbol of Turkish-Russian friendship by his contribution to our relations with Russia during his successful term in office,” he wrote.

"We convey our deepest condolences to the government of the Russian Federation and its nation, in particular to the dear family of Ambassador Karlov on behalf of the Turkish government and nation,” he added.

Karlov died on Monday after being shot multiple times at an art exhibition in the Turkish capital Ankara. He was delivering a speech when the assailant, identified as 22-year-old Turkish policeman Mevlut Mert Altintas, opened fire.